The Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) 2nd type, neck badge in its Garrard & Co case of issue, enamel damaged on one arm; British War and Victory Medals (S. Lt. E. G. Jeffery. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, unless otherwise stated, good very fine.
C.B.E. London Gazette 25 November 1941. For Operations ‘Substance’ and ‘Style’ (Gibraltar to Malta Convoy, 21 July - 4 August 1941). Originally put forward for a Mention in Despatches, it was subsequently proposed that Jeffery be given the D.S.O., but in the end he was awarded the C.B.E. The following recommendation is taken from Admiralty records:
‘Captain Eric Gordon Jeffery, R.N., Chief of Staff of Vice-Admiral Somerville. F.O. Force ‘H’ particularly brings to notice the name of his Chief of Staff, Captain E. G. Jeffery. He states: ‘This officer was responsible for the preparation of detailed plans to deal with the complicated and tightly adjusted programmes required for these operations, in which secrecy had to be maintained to the fullest degree. The smoothness and precision with which the refuelling of all units and the embarkation of stores and personnel were carried out bear witness to his admirable judgement and foresight which I have previously had occasion to commend to their Lordships in connection with other successful operations.’ It will be recollected that F.O. Force ‘H’ strongly recommended Captain Jeffery for recognition in connection with the Bismarck operation. I think this strong recommendation now received entitles this most able officer to the award of a D.S.O.’
M.I.D. London Gazette 14 October 1941 (Bismarck action).
Admiral Somerville, Flag Officer Force “H”, originally put Jeffery forward for the D.S.O. for this action, a recommendation that was reinforced when submitting awards for Operations ‘Substance’ and ‘Style’.
M.I.D. London Gazette 6 January 1942 (Operation ‘Halberd’ - Gibraltar to Malta Convoy, 24-28 September 1941).
Captain Eric Gordon Jeffery tragically died in October 1941; after appearing his usual cheerful self in the Wardroom of the flagship Rodney, he was later discovered in the bathroom, having hanged himself.
Sold with copies from Admiralty records covering all three awards, and Admiral Somerville’s 11-page report on the part played by Force “H” in the destruction of the Bismarck.
